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 For millions of people around the world, it is a time to travel and have fun. However, with the surge in COVID-19 infections around the world, it may be wise to change the mode of enjoyment to one that is equally satisfying but safer.

I am referring to reading, which has the additional advantage of making you more knowledgeable.
To help readers on their way to a fun-filled reading holiday season, I am presenting six non-fiction books I have enjoyed this year.

Many of these books are recent publications while one or two are of an older vintage but these books have the potential to become Ghanaian classics in the future. They are presented in no particular order.

1. MEMOIRS FROM THE HILLTOP
Author: Kofi Otutu Labi
Publisher: DigiBooks

This autobiography of a many-sided man - lawyer, author, management consultant, a man of deep faith and a motivational writer – is one of the most enjoyable books in that genre I have read. Among his many attributes, Lawyer Adu Labi is a former Champion of Champions of the radio and TV quiz programme, What do you Know?, and it shows.
The detail and historical recall is worth more than the price of the book. It is available at Digibooks and all leading bookshops in the country.

2. PLENTY TALK DEY 4 GHANA
Edited by Kofi Akpabli
Publisher: Anansesem (in conjunction with D’Akpabli)

The subtitle of this book summarises its intent and purpose: Radio Eye, Plural Broadcasting and Democracy. Contributing authors include: Dr Charles Wereko-Brobby, Yaw Boadu Ayeboafo, Prof. Kwame Karikari, Lawyer Akoto Ampaw, Prof. Kofi Agyekum, Dr Sarah Akrofi-Quarcoo, Dr Abubakari Siddik Ahmed and Mr Kwasi Twum.

These stalwarts of Ghana’s fight for media pluralism have together written a history of the struggle and broadcasting in the first steps of our transitional democracy.

Even if you are not interested in the media as a subject, you will find a lot to engage with when you read this book.

3. J. A. BRAIMAH
Author: Alhassan Ahmed
DigiBooks

If you are, like me, interested in the history of Ghana’s independence struggle, your information is likely to be incomplete without this comprehensive biography of the first Member of Parliament and Cabinet Minister from the then Northern Territories before independence.

In addition to the politics, I enjoyed the cultural and social history of the Gonjas and their lines of succession.

4. THE AFRICAN PREDICAMENT
Author: Kofi Awoonor
Publisher: Sub-Saharan Publishers

This book was first published in 2006 and reprinted in 2012, the year the author passed away in terrorist attack in Nairobi Kenya. It is not the first time I am enjoying and recommending this book and it will not be the last.

It is a collection of 28 essays covering African history, politics, pan-Africanism, culture, spiritual and personal perspectives. You can read it in parts, like I do, or go through the whole lot at one go. Whichever way, it is a rewarding read.

5. THE UT STORY (Vol 1)
Author: Capt. Prince Kofi Amoabeng (with George Bentum Essiaw)

This is the first book in what is expected to be a three-part story of the famous entrepreneur for whom the word “controversial” sticks like a middle name.

And yet, meeting him in person and through these pages present a character different from the one-dimensional figure of most people’s imagination. He says that this book is not a manual, but I daresay it is.

Apart from telling you how to set up and manage a business in the most unconventional way, it will tell you about character, forthrightness and determination. And it is a reading person’s book: readable in every respect. Don’t let the holidays pass without reading this book.

6. YOUR LIFE IN THE SUPERNATURAL
Author: Rev. Professor Drafor-Amenyah
Publisher: Digibooks

This is a book I have returned to many times since it was launched earlier this year. The word “supernatural” conjures all kinds of weird ideas, fears and images in our minds. Somehow, it connects in a subliminal way to superstition, and this robs us of the ability to understand the concept of the supernatural in a systematic and rational way.

This is the mystery which has been unravelled for us by the author of this book, who is both a Professor of Economics and an ordained Presbyterian Minister. Add it to the reading list not just for the Christmas holidays but as a regular companion.

Watch out for more books in the next edition.
Happy Christmas